Relationship between non-destructive inspection and heavy-weight floor impact noises in a box-type test building

Abstract

This study investigated the relationship between floor impact noise performance and non-destructive inspection methods for use in construction quality control prior to installing resilient floor-topping materials. The study measured floor impact noise characteristics using heavy-weight impact sources in a box-type test building with a 180-mm thick bare slab. The study employed impact echo and ultrasonic tomography methods to estimate concrete thickness and other mechanical properties. The results showed that the highest impact noise levels were observed at the central area in the frequency bands of 25 Hz to 50 Hz. However, the frequency bands of 63 Hz to 80 Hz showed different results as a peak characteristic at the middle area in the long direction. The study estimated the average slab thickness as 175 mm and 172 mm, respectively, using the impact echo and ultrasonic tomography methods. The standard deviation of the thickness was up to 9.3 mm and 6.6 mm, respectively, depending on the impact position. Furthermore, the study analyzed the correlation between concrete thickness and impact noise performance by frequency bands and discussed the application directions of the mechanical properties to manage noise performances during construction.